Adrian Nocum reset his PBA career-high in assists in Rain or Shine’s eventual victory over Ginebra on Sunday night, and that didn’t happen by chance.
There has been a conscious effort on the part of the 26-year-old slashing guard to involve his teammates more, since he’s being groomed into a playmaker.
“We’re actually, on purpose, trying to play him a lot more minutes at the point,” said Yeng Guiao after their 110-99 win at the SMART Araneta Coliseum—their second in a row after a 0-2 start to the Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The former Mapua Cardinal finished with 13 rebounds and 10 assists against the crowd darlings, leaving the brain trust pleased as he’s been delivering.
Since Rain or Shine began its campaign in the season-ending conference, Nocum’s assist numbers have seen an upward trajectory.
He’s never registered below six thus far, and after Sunday, the 24th pick of the 2023 Draft is now averaging 7.75 dimes, together with 17.5 points.
“His decision-making is getting better, more mature, and he’s also partly… nagpapakita rin siya ng leadership,” lauded the champion bench tactician.
(C) PBA Images
What makes Guiao all the more impressed is that Nocum’s development as a PG is coinciding with the others’ growth, particularly with Caelan Tiongson thriving in his role as the new team captain after Gian Mamuyac got traded.
“Si Caelan, as the leader now, is also able to inspire other guys to be part of that leadership and be accountable to their teammates. I think that’s part of the maturity of the team. We’re able to adjust to situations,” he said.
“And Adrian, he’s getting better in a different field. He’s not just looking to score, he’s looking to make his teammates better and sa akin, magandang sign ‘yun.”
Nocum himself acknowledged that the adjustment has been challenging, especially since he has long been known for his high-flying style of play, but he is embracing the change nonetheless.
“Challenge din sa akin ‘yun. Kailangan ko rin mag-improve, so malaking tulong din ‘yun, ‘yung binigay sa akin ni Coach Yeng na role. So kailangan ko lang din gampanan, kailangan ko lang trabahuhin,” said the Tondo resident.
And there should be no question that it’s working for Rain or Shine. They have improved to .500 following a rough start, and Nocum himself is feeling some sense of relief, but they have zero plans of stopping any time soon.
“Siyempre from 0-2, ngayon 2-2 na,” the 2024 All-Rookie Team member said.
“Kailangan lang namin anuhin ‘yung momentum, kailangan pa namin higitan ‘yung aggressiveness namin, ‘yung effort namin para makuha ‘yung panalo.”
